[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   VERMONT REQUIRES LABELING OF DAIRY PRODUCTS FROM BST-INJECTED COWS

  (Mr. SANDERS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to inform you that yesterday 
the Vermont State Legislature became the first in the Nation to require 
labeling of all milk products which come from BST-injected cows--and 
the Governor has indicated that he will sign this bill. Given the fact 
that the multibillion dollar Monsanto chemical company has enormous 
political clout, as shown by their ability to push this product past 
the FDA, this is an act of great courage on the part of the Vermont 
State Legislature and should be greeted with enthusiasm by family 
farmers, consumers, and all citizens who want to know how the milk they 
are drinking is produced.
  Mr. Speaker, the Government itself has acknowledged that Monsanto's 
BST will result in the lowering of family farm income and will increase 
the Federal deficit. Furthermore, in forcing cows to produce 20 percent 
more milk than they naturally do, BST significantly increases the rate 
of mastitis in cows and makes them sicker.
  My hope is that the U.S. Congress will follow the lead of Vermont, 
and pass national legislation which will require the labeling of all 
milk products from cows injected with BST. Please support H.R. 1906--
which amends the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require that labeling. 
The people of America have the right to know how the milk they are 
drinking is produced.

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